Lower Brule Man Charged with Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse.

James St. Cloud, age 36, was indicted on January 19, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 2, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $500,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between March 30, 2016, and April 16, 2016, as well as September 16, 2016, St. Cloud knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual behavior with two minor victims, one of whom was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct, and was physically incapable of declining participation or communicating her unwillingness to engage in the sexual act.

The charges are merely accusations and St. Cloud is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.

St. Cloud was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.